Electrical current stimulator apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method for providing electrical current treatment by an apparatus having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a processor is provided. The method includes delivering an electric current through an object in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode; controlling, by the processor, the electric current delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform; and providing a notification at a predetermined time to notify a user to move the apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/587,638, filed Dec. 31, 2014, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

This application relates to topical treatments, and more particularly toan electrical current stimulator apparatus for providing topicaltreatment.

Background

Sending weak electrical currents (typically less than one microampere)into the body has recently become more popular as a new method ofrejuvenating the skin and muscles as well as a new technique forphysical therapy. The weak electrical currents are commonly used totreat pain, accelerate recovery, and improve cosmetic appearances.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of present technology. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments ofthe present technology, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all examples nor delineate the scope of any or allaspects of the present technology. Its sole purpose is to present someconcepts of one or more examples in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the examples described herein,systems and methods are provided for providing electrical currenttreatment. In an implementation, a method is provided for providingelectrical current treatment. The method includes delivering an electriccurrent through an object in contact with a first electrode and a secondelectrode on an apparatus. The method further includes vibrating theapparatus with an electric motor. The method further includescontrolling by a processor the electric current delivered by the firstelectrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform, wherethe processor is configured to receive programmable instructions tocontrol the electric current and the electric motor.

In a related aspect, the method further includes controlling a lightemitter to emit light when both the first electrode and the secondelectrode are in contact with the object. In another related aspect, themethod further includes powering off the apparatus automatically by theprocessor when the programmable instructions complete execution.

In another implementation, an apparatus is provided for providingelectrical current treatment. The apparatus includes an enclosure bodywith an upper surface and a lower surface located opposite to the uppersurface. The apparatus further includes a first electrode and a secondelectrode on the lower surface for delivering an electric currentthrough an object in contact with the first electrode and the secondelectrode. The apparatus further includes an electric motor forvibrating the apparatus and a light emitter. The apparatus furtherincludes a processor for controlling the electric current delivered bythe first electrode and the second electrode to have a specificwaveform, wherein the processor is configured to receive programmableinstructions to control the electric current and the electric motor. Theapparatus further includes a power button for powering on or off theapparatus and a battery configured to supply power to the firstelectrode, the second electrode, the processor, and the light emitter.

In yet another implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumis provided for providing electrical current treatment. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium stores executable instructionswhich cause a data processing device to deliver an electric currentthrough an object in contact with a first electrode and a secondelectrode on an apparatus. The data processing device is further causedto vibrate the apparatus with an electric motor. The data processingdevice is further caused to receive programmable instructions to controlthe electric current and the electric motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example methodology for providing electricalcurrent treatment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example apparatus providing electrical currenttreatment in accordance with the methodology of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of components of anelectrical stimulator apparatus, according to certain aspects of thesubject technology;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example exterior of an electrical stimulatorapparatus, according to certain aspects of the subject technology; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for using anelectrical stimulator apparatus, according to certain aspects of thesubject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical stimulator devices toprovide various benefits to the human body. For example, a microcurrentelectrical neuromuscular stimulator (MENS) is a device that passes lowamperage (typically under one microampere) electrical current throughthe body. MENS devices typically use current amperage that is very closeto the current that human bodies produce. Low currents such asmicroamperes are below the human body's sensation threshold. MENSdevices are commonly used for chronic and acute pains, swelling,injuries, Arthritis, and cosmetic purposes.

Another example of an electrical stimulator device is a Transcutaneouselectrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device that sends milliampere (onethousand times microampere) electrical currents through the body. TENSdevices are commonly used for managing chronic pain. TENS devicesutilize biphasic electrical current delivered through electrodes placedon the surface of the skin to stimulate the sensory nerves to block painsignals.

In accordance with certain aspects of the subject technology, anelectrical current stimulator apparatus can include an enclosure bodywith an upper surface and a lower surface located opposite to the uppersurface. A user of the apparatus can hold the enclosure body in one ofthe user's hands.

The apparatus can include a first electrode and a second electrode onthe lower surface for delivering an electric current through an object(e.g., the user's body or face) in contact with the first electrode andthe second electrode.

The apparatus can include an electric motor for vibrating the apparatusand a light emitter. The vibration can be used to signal to the user tomove the apparatus to a different area of the skin.

The apparatus can include a processor for controlling the electriccurrent delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode tohave a specific waveform, wherein the processor is configured to receiveprogrammable instructions to control the electric current and theelectric motor. The specific waveform can include at least one of asquare, sine, triangle, positive/negative ramp, positive/negativeunipolar pulse, positive/negative bipolar pulse, trapezoidal alternatingcurrent (AC), or other such wave. In a related aspect, the specifiedwaveform can include a direct current (DC) offset. The programmableinstructions can be received from a software application for a mobiledevice, a personal computer, or a tablet device.

In a related aspect, the processor can control a light emitter to emitlight when both the first electrode and the second electrode are incontact with the object. The emitted light can signal to the user thatthe apparatus is correctly placed against the object.

In a related aspect, the apparatus can include a sound output unit foroutputting at least one audio clip. The processor can control the soundoutput unit to output an audio clip from the at least one audio clip, inresponse to completion of the programmable instructions.

The apparatus can include a power button for powering on or off theapparatus and a battery configured to supply power to the firstelectrode, the second electrode, the processor, the light emitter, andthe sound output unit. The user can press the power button to turn on oroff the apparatus to start or stop electrical current stimulation to theuser's body or face.

In a related aspect, the processor can automatically execute theprogrammable instructions when the apparatus is powered on by the powerbutton. In a related aspect, the processor can automatically power offthe apparatus when the programmable instructions complete execution.

Various aspects of the present technology are described with referenceto the drawings. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It can be evident,however, that the present technology can be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing theseaspects. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as anexample, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the implementations describedherein, with reference to FIG. 1, a methodology 100 is shown forproviding electrical current treatment. The method 100 can involve, atstep 110, delivering an electric current through an object in contactwith a first electrode and a second electrode on an apparatus. In arelated aspect, the first and second electrodes can be located on asurface of the apparatus for delivering an electric current through anobject (e.g., the user's body or face) in contact with the first andsecond electrodes 310. The first electrode and the second electrode canbe any electrical conductor configured to make contact with the object.In an example implementation, the first electrode and the secondelectrode can be substantially identical convex curved surfaces, idealfor smooth movement across the user's body or face.

A processor can control the electric current delivered by the firstelectrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform, wherethe processor is configured to receive programmable instructions tocontrol the electric current and the electric motor. The specificwaveform can include at least one of a square, sine, triangle,positive/negative ramp, positive/negative unipolar pulse,positive/negative bipolar pulse, trapezoidal alternating current (AC),or other such wave. In a related aspect, the specific waveform caninclude a direct current (DC) offset.

The method 100 can involve, at step 120, vibrating the apparatus with anelectric motor. In a related aspect, the electric motor can be coupledto the apparatus for vibrating the apparatus. For example, a rotor ofthe electric motor can be attached to a weight, which causes theelectric motor and the apparatus to vibrate when the electric motorspins the rotor. The vibration can be used to signal to the user to movethe apparatus to a different area of the object.

The method 100 can involve, at step 130, controlling by a processor theelectric current delivered by the first electrode and the secondelectrode to have a specific waveform, wherein the processor isconfigured to receive programmable instructions to control the electriccurrent and the electric motor.

The method 100 can optionally involve, at step 140, controlling a lightemitter to emit light when both the first electrode and the secondelectrode are in contact with the object. In a related aspect, the lightemitter can include a light emitting diode (LED) or other such low powerlighting device. A processor can control the light emitter to emit lightwhen both the first and second electrodes are in contact with theobject. The emitted light can signal to a user that the electricalstimulator apparatus is correctly placed against the object.

The method 100 can optionally involve, at step 150, powering off theapparatus automatically by the processor when the programmableinstructions complete execution.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the implementations describedherein, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for providingelectrical current treatment in accordance with the methodology ofFIG. 1. The exemplary apparatus 200 can be configured as a computingdevice or as a processor or similar device/component for use within. Inone example, the apparatus 200 can include functional blocks that canrepresent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combinationthereof (e.g., firmware). In another example, the apparatus 200 can be asystem on a chip (SoC) or similar integrated circuit (IC).

In one implementation, the apparatus 200 can include an electricalcomponent or module 210 for delivering an electric current through anobject in contact with a first electrode and a second electrode on anapparatus.

The apparatus 200 can include an electrical component 220 for vibratingthe apparatus with an electric motor.

The apparatus 200 can include an electrical component 230 forcontrolling by a processor the electric current delivered by the firstelectrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform, whereinthe processor is configured to receive programmable instructions tocontrol the electric current and the electric motor.

The apparatus 200 can optionally include an electrical component 240 forcontrolling a light emitter to emit light when both the first electrodeand the second electrode are in contact with the object.

The apparatus 200 can optionally include an electrical component 250 forpowering off the apparatus automatically by the processor when theprogrammable instructions complete execution.

In further related aspects, the apparatus 200 can optionally include aprocessor component 202. The processor 202 can be in operativecommunication with the components 210-240 via a bus 201 or similarcommunication coupling. The processor 202 can effect initiation andscheduling of the processes or functions performed by electricalcomponents 210-240.

In yet further related aspects, the apparatus 200 can include a radiotransceiver component 203. A standalone receiver and/or standalonetransmitter can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with thetransceiver 203. The apparatus 200 can also include a network interface205 for connecting to one or more other communication devices or thelike. The apparatus 200 can optionally include a component for storinginformation, such as, for example, a memory device/component 204. Thecomputer readable medium or the memory component 204 can be operativelycoupled to the other components of the apparatus 200 via the bus 201 orthe like. The memory component 204 can be adopted to store computerreadable instructions and data for affecting the processes and behaviorof the components 210-240, and subcomponents thereof, or the processor202, or the methods disclosed herein. The memory component 204 canretain instructions for executing functions associated with thecomponents 210-240. While shown as being external to the memory 204, itis to be understood that the components 210-240 can exist within thememory 204. It is further noted that the components in FIG. 2 caninclude processors, electronic devices, hardware devices, electronicsubcomponents, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmwarecodes, etc., or any combination thereof

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the functionalities ofeach component of the apparatus 200 can be implemented in any suitablecomponent of the system or combined in any suitable manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of components of anelectrical stimulator apparatus 300, according to certain aspects of thesubject technology. The electrical stimulator apparatus 300 can includefirst and second electrodes 310, a memory 320, a processor 340, a powerbutton 350, a network interface 360, a battery 370, an electric motor380, and a bus 390. In a related aspect, the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 can further include at least one of a light emitter 330 ora sound output unit (not shown).

The electrical stimulator apparatus 300 can be a handheld devicecontaining a number of different components. The processor (e.g.,central processing unit) 340 can retrieve and execute programminginstructions stored in the memory 320 (e.g., random-access memory, flashmemory, or other storage media). The programming instructions can causethe data processing device 300 to execute the methodology 100 forproviding electrical current treatment, as shown in FIG. 1. Theprocessor 340 can be a single CPU with a single processing core, asingle CPU with multiple processing cores, or multiple CPUs. Theprocessor 340 and the memory 320 can be integrated into a single unit(e.g., a microcontroller). The bus 390 can transmit instructions andapplication data between device components such as the first and secondelectrodes 310, the memory 320, the light emitter 330, the processor340, the power button 350, the network interface 360, the battery 370,and the electric motor 380.

The first and second electrodes 310 can be located on a surface of theelectrical stimulator apparatus 300 for delivering an electric currentthrough an object (e.g., the user's body or face) in contact with thefirst and second electrodes 310. The first electrode and the secondelectrode can be any electrical conductor configured to make contactwith the object. In an example implementation, the first electrode andthe second electrode can be substantially identical convex curvedsurfaces, ideal for smooth movement across the user's body or face.

The processor 340 can control the electric current delivered by thefirst electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform,where the processor is configured to receive programmable instructionsto control the electric current and the electric motor. The specificwaveform can include at least one of a square, sine, triangle,positive/negative ramp, positive/negative unipolar pulse,positive/negative bipolar pulse, trapezoidal alternating current (AC),or other such wave. In a related aspect, the specific waveform caninclude a direct current (DC) offset. The programmable instructions canbe received from a software application for a mobile device, a personalcomputer, or a tablet device. In an example implementation, a particularset of programmable instructions can specify a specific waveform of onemicroampere that begins with one minute of a square wave, followed bytwo minutes of a sine wave, followed by five minutes of a triangle wave.It is understood that the specific waveform can include any combinationof various waves applied in various time intervals.

The electric motor 380 can be coupled to the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 for vibrating the electrical stimulator apparatus 300. Forexample, a rotor of the electric motor 380 can be attached to a weight,which causes the electric motor 380 and the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 to vibrate when the electric motor 380 spins the rotor.The vibration can be used to signal to the user to move the electricalstimulator apparatus 300 to a different area of the object.

In a related aspect, the light emitter 330 can include a light emittingdiode (LED) or other such low power lighting device. The processor 340can control the light emitter 330 to emit light when both the first andsecond electrodes 310 are in contact with the object. The emitted lightcan signal to the user that the electrical stimulator apparatus 300 iscorrectly placed against the object.

In a related aspect, the sound output unit can be configured to outputat least one audio clip. The at least one audio clip can be stored onthe memory 320. In a related aspect, the processor 340 can control thesound output unit to output an audio clip from the at least one audioclip, in response to completion of the programmable instructions. Forexample, the audio clip can be at least one of a tone, buzz, beep, ring,musical piece, or song. In a related aspect, the processor 340 cancontrol the sound output unit to output another audio clip from the atleast one audio clip to signal or instruct the user to move theelectrical stimulator apparatus 300 to a different area of the object orthat the electrical stimulator apparatus 300 is not correctly placedagainst the object.

The battery 370 can be configured to supply power to various componentsof the electrical stimulator apparatus 300, such as the first and secondelectrodes 310, the processor 340, and the light emitter 330. Forexample, the battery 370 can include an alkaline battery, a dry cellbattery, a lithium battery, a lithium-ion battery, or any other type ofdisposable or rechargeable battery.

The network interface 350 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB),Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, radio frequency, near-field communication (NFC), orany other wired and/or wireless communication interface. Through thenetwork interface 350, the data processing device 300 in certain aspectscan communicate with a network, such as the Internet, or with other suchdevices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

In a related aspect, the network interface 350 can include an inputsocket (not shown) for receiving an electrical connector. The inputsocket can be configured to receive the programmable instructionsthrough the electrical connector. In a related aspect, the input socketcan be configured to receive external power to charge the battery 370.For example, the input socket can be a USB type socket for receiving aUSB connector leading to a wall outlet, power supply, laptop, or desktopcomputer. In another related aspect, the network interface 350 caninclude a wireless network interface (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, radiofrequency, NFC, etc.) for wirelessly receiving the programmableinstructions.

The power button 350 can be any type of tactile input component thatallows a user to turn on or off the electrical stimulator apparatus 300.For example, the power button 350 can include a physical switch or acapacitive sensor for receiving input from the user. The user can pressthe power button 350 to turn on or off the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 to start or stop electrical current stimulation. In arelated aspect, the processor 340 can automatically execute theprogrammable instructions when the electrical stimulator apparatus 300is powered on by the power button 350. In a related aspect, theprocessor 340 can automatically power off the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 when the programmable instructions complete execution.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example exterior of an electrical stimulatorapparatus 400, according to certain aspects of the subject technology.The electrical stimulator apparatus 400 can include an enclosure body410 with an upper surface 420 and a lower surface 430 located oppositeto the upper surface 420. The enclosure body 410 can be formed from anyconstruction material, such as plastic, metal, wood, fiberglass, rubber,glass, stone, etc. The enclosure body 410 can be rigid or flexible. Theenclosure body 410 can be of any shape and size that can be held by oneor two human sized hands.

The electrical stimulator apparatus 300 can include a first electrode450 and a second electrode 452 for delivering an electric currentthrough an object (e.g., the user's body or face, not shown) in contactwith the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 452. In an exampleimplementation, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 452 canbe located on the lower surface 430 of the enclosure body 410. The firstelectrode 450 and the second electrode 452 can be any electricalconductor configured to make contact with the object. In an exampleimplementation, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 452 canbe substantially identical convex curved surfaces, ideal for smoothmovement across the user's body or face.

In a related aspect, an electrically conductive gel can be applied on toa surface of the first and second electrodes 450, 452 or on the objectto form a conductive layer between the first and second electrodes 450,452 and the object. The electrically conductive gel can be helpful infacilitating current between the first and second electrodes 450, 452through the object. In a related aspect, the electrically conductive gelcan also have lubricating properties to help facilitate moving theelectrical stimulator apparatus 400 over a surface of the object.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flowchart of a method 500 for using anelectrical stimulator apparatus, according to certain aspects of thesubject technology. The method 500 can involve, at block 510, a userstarting treatment by powering on the electrical stimulator apparatus300 of FIG. 3. The method 500 can involve, at block 520, placing thefirst and second electrodes 310 electrical stimulator apparatus 300against the user's face. The method 500 can involve, at block 530,observing whether the light emitter 330 of the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 is emitting light. If the user does not observe light fromthe light emitter 330, then the first and second electrodes 310 are notboth in contact with the user's face, and the method repeats block 520.If the user does observe light from the light emitter 330, then thefirst and second electrodes 310 are both in contact with the user'sface, and the method continues to block 540.

The method 500 can involve, at block 540, the user receiving electricalcurrent from the first and second electrodes 310 of the electricalstimulator apparatus 300. The method 500 can involve, at block 550, theuser observing whether the electrical stimulator apparatus 300 isvibrating. If the user observes the electrical stimulator apparatus 300vibrating, then the method continues to block 560. The method caninvolve, at block 560, the user moving the electrical stimulatorapparatus 300 to a different location on the user's face. If the userdoes not observe the electrical stimulator apparatus 300 vibrating, thenthe electrical stimulator apparatus 300 does not need to be moved yet,and the method continues to block 570.

The method 500 can involve, at block 570, the user observing whetherelectrical stimulator apparatus 300 is outputting an audio clip from thesound output unit. If the user does not observe the audio clip, then thetreatment is not yet finished, and the method repeats block 530. If theuser does observe the audio clip, then the treatment is finished, andthe method continues to block 580 for termination.

The various implementations can be implemented in a wide variety ofoperating environments, which in some cases can include one or more usercomputers, data processing devices, or processing devices which can beused to operate any of a number of applications. User or client devicescan include any of a number of general purpose personal computers, suchas desktop or laptop computers running a standard operating system, aswell as cellular, wireless, and handheld devices running mobile softwareand capable of supporting a number of networking and messagingprotocols. Such a system also can include a number of workstationsrunning any of a variety of commercially-available operating systems andother known applications for purposes such as development and databasemanagement. These devices also can include other electronic devices,such as dummy terminals, thin-clients, gaming systems, and other devicescapable of communicating via a network.

Various aspects also can be implemented as part of at least one serviceor Web service, such as can be part of a service-oriented architecture.Services such as Web services can communicate using any appropriate typeof messaging, such as by using messages in extensible markup language(XML) format and exchanged using an appropriate protocol such as SOAP(derived from the “Simple Object Access Protocol”). Processes providedor executed by such services can be written in any appropriate language,such as the Web Services Description Language (WSDL). Using a languagesuch as WSDL allows for functionality such as the automated generationof client-side code in various SOAP frameworks.

Most implementations utilize at least one network that would be familiarto those skilled in the art for supporting communications using any of avariety of commercially-available protocols, such as TCP/IP, OSI, FTP,UPnP, NFS, and CIFS. The network can be, for example, a local areanetwork, a wide-area network, a virtual private network, the Internet,an intranet, an extranet, a public switched telephone network, aninfrared network, a wireless network, and any combination thereof

In implementations utilizing a Web server, the Web server can run any ofa variety of server or mid-tier applications, including HTTP servers,FTP servers, CGI servers, data servers, Java servers, and business mapservers. The server(s) also can be capable of executing programs orscripts in response requests from user devices, such as by executing oneor more Web applications that can be implemented as one or more scriptsor programs written in any programming language, such as Java®, C, C# orC++, or any scripting language, such as Perl, Python, or TCL, as well ascombinations thereof The server(s) can also include database servers,including without limitation those commercially available from Oracle®,Microsoft®, Sybase®, and IBM®.

The environment can include a variety of data stores and other memoryand storage media as discussed above. These can reside in a variety oflocations, such as on a storage medium local to (and/or resident in) oneor more of the computers or remote from any or all of the computersacross the network. In a particular set of implementations, theinformation can reside in a storage-area network (“SAN”) familiar tothose skilled in the art. Similarly, any necessary files for performingthe functions attributed to the computers, servers, or other networkdevices can be stored locally and/or remotely, as appropriate. Where asystem includes computerized devices, each such device can includehardware elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus, theelements including, for example, at least one central processing unit(CPU), at least one input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, controller,touch screen, or keypad), and at least one output device (e.g., adisplay device, printer, or speaker). Such a system can also include oneor more storage devices, such as disk drives, optical storage devices,and solid-state storage devices such as random access memory (“RAM”) orread-only memory (“ROM”), as well as removable media devices, memorycards, flash cards, etc.

Such devices also can include a computer-readable storage media reader,a communications device (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless orwired), an infrared communication device, etc.), and working memory asdescribed above. The computer-readable storage media reader can beconnected with, or configured to receive, a computer-readable storagemedium, representing remote, local, fixed, and/or removable storagedevices as well as storage media for temporarily and/or more permanentlycontaining, storing, transmitting, and retrieving computer-readableinformation. The system and various devices also typically will includea number of software applications, modules, services, or other elementslocated within at least one working memory device, including anoperating system and application programs, such as a client applicationor Web browser. It should be appreciated that alternate implementationscan have numerous variations from that described above. For example,customized hardware might also be used and/or particular elements mightbe implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, suchas applets), or both. Further, connection to other data processingdevices such as network input/output devices can be employed.

Storage media and computer readable media for containing code, orportions of code, can include any appropriate media known or used in theart, including storage media and communication media, such as but notlimited to volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage and/or transmissionof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data, including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memoryor other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe a system device. Based on the disclosure and teachings providedherein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other waysand/or methods to implement the various implementations.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes can be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure asset forth in the claims.

The description of the subject technology is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to practice the various implementationsdescribed herein. While the subject technology has been particularlydescribed with reference to the various figures and implementations, itshould be understood that these are for illustration purposes only andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

There can be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein can be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these implementations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein can be applied to other implementations. Thus, manychanges and modifications can be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the various implementations describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein byreference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited inthe above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing electrical currenttreatment of skin by an apparatus having a first electrode and a secondelectrode extending from a housing and a processor, the methodcomprising: receiving programmable instructions from an external device;delivering an electric current to an area of the skin in contact withthe first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the firstelectrode and the second electrode extend from the housing, wherein theelectric current is less than one milliampere; controlling the electriccurrent delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode tohave a specific waveform to improve cosmetic appearances of the skin;and controlling a vibration by the apparatus, the controlling of thevibration configured to notify a user to move the apparatus to anotherarea of the skin, wherein at least one of the electric current and thevibration is controlled based on the programmable instructions from theexternal device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programmableinstructions are received wirelessly through a wireless networkinterface.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless networkinterface is at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequency, andnear-field communication.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theprogrammable instructions are received from a software application forthe external device, the external device being at least one of a mobiledevice, a personal computer, or a tablet device.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the programmable instructions are received through anelectrical connector.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:executing automatically by the processor, when a power button isactuated, the programmable instructions.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising: adjusting, automatically, a power setting of theapparatus to an off state, when the programmable instructions completeexecution.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: controlling, bythe processor, a light emitter to emit light when both the firstelectrode and the second electrode are in contact with the object. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the specific waveform includes at leastone of a square, sine, triangle, positive/negative ramp,positive/negative unipolar pulse, positive/negative bipolar pulse,trapezoidal alternating current (AC).
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe specified waveform includes a direct current (DC) offset.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: outputting, through a soundoutput unit, an audio clip in response to completion of the programmableinstructions.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the electric current isone of a microcurrent, a nanocurrent, or a picocurrent.
 13. The methodof claim 1, wherein the lower surface is a concave surface.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: modifying, by the processor, alight emitter when both the first electrode and the second electrode arein contact with the skin.